*Says ‘Voters Preference For Political Parties Has Dwindled’
A survey in Imo State ahead of the 2023 general elections reveal that 75 percent of voters in the State, will vote for candidates based on their antecedents, personality and capacity.
A socio political group, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, which conducted the survey, in it’s report made available to INNONEWS, noted that “voters preference for political parties has dwindled”
According to the group, Opinion Poll conducted in twelve local governments in the State, (four LGAs per zone) show that the presidential ambition of Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is the propelling force behind this evolving political trend.
“Obi’s ambition has changed the narrative and perception of voters about candidates eying various elective positions irrespective of the political parties they belong to
“There will be no bandwagon voting for candidates in Obi’s political party.
“Rather what his aspiration has done, is that voters now look out for candidates who posses Obi’s character in other political parties” part of the survey report stated.
“67 percent of respondents in Owerri zone, with Permanent Voter Card, PVC, said credibility, integrity, capacity and antecedents of the candidates, are huge qualifications for any candidate to be voted for
“Second term seekers have come under severe scrutiny by voters, as those who have performed below expectation risks being voted out
“There is high voters preference for candidates irrespective of political parties they belong to, who have demonstrated capacity either in their first term in office or in their private endeavours
“Most respondents applaud measures taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure hitch free election with the introduction of BVAS and other modern technology equipments to enhance conduct of the polls.
“Across the State, there is growing commendation on steps taken to eliminate vote buying with the introduction of recoloured naira notes. Absence of vote buying gives the room for voters to elect their choice.
“Despite threats by secessionist groups which have declared no election in the South East, there is appreciable zeal by voters to vote on election day if security can be guaranteed”
“There is noticeable enthusiasm on the part of voters to vote, but all that will ebb away if the spate of violence in the State continues unabated before February 25th” part of the IAC report stated.